THE VOLUNTEERS.

Evening Star, Issue 2879, 11 May 1872, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN M FARLAND, ARTILLERY. The first battalion -the artillery, as might have been expected, mustering in strong force-assembled for parade in the Artillery a shed last evening, for the purpose of bidding farewell of Captain M'Farland, who for several years has commanded the battery, and is about to leave the Colony. The companies having formed square, L : eut. Jack advancing to a table on which were displayed the gifts of the battery, viz., a liquer-fnune, buiscuit-box, beer jug, butterdish and sugar basin, all of silver, addressed Captain M'Farland, and referred to his long connection with the battei y, and its present efficiency, which was wholly due to his efforts. In making the battery s presentation he wished Captain M'Farland long life and much good health and werdly prosperity wherever bis future lot might be cast. Colonel Cargill, for the staff, bore testimony to Captain M'Farland’s qualifications as a volunteer, and to his services to the battalion; while Major Jones, of the 2nd battalion, begged leave, on behalf of the country corps to endorse all that had been said by the previous speakers, and to express their regret at losing one who had always used his best efforts for the advancement of the volunteer causeThe band then played “ Auld lang syne, and, at Colonel Cargill’s call, three ringing cheets were given for . Captain M'Farland, who, m replying, said it was eight or pine years since his connection with the battery began ; and he had always found the men ready to receive the drill it was necessary to impart to them. He was wholly unprepared for such an expression of esteem and mark of approbation as his small services had called forth. He felt with much regret having to part with the battery and the volunteers of the Province generally ; and ho could only say that, so far as he was personally concerned, he was not likely to forget the Artillery or the Otago Volunteers. After the parade, the battery and the officers of the battalion adjourned to the Royal George Hotel, where Captain MTarlam’s health was drnak in champagne.